Having your tubes tied (tubal ligation) - more likely 2 or more years after the procedure

Sometimes the cause is unknown. Hormones may play a role.

Ectopic pregnancies occur in 1 in every 40 to 1 in every 100 pregnancies.

The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within one of the tubes through which the egg passes from the ovary to the uterus. However, in rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, stomach area, or cervix.

Symptoms

You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may include:

If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include:

Fainting or feel faint

Intense pressure in the rectum

Low blood pressure

Pain in the shoulder area

Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will do a pelvic exam, which may show tenderness in the pelvic area.

A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done.

HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking blood levels of this hormone (quantitative HCG blood test) can diagnose pregnancy. A rise in quantitative HCG levels over 1 to 2 days may help tell a normal pregnancy from an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

Ectopic pregnancies is a life-threatening condition. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life.

You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to shock, an emergency condition. Treatment for shock may include:

Blood transfusion

Fluids given through a vein

Keeping warm

Oxygen

Raising the legs

If there is a rupture, surgery (laparotomy) is done to stop blood loss. This surgery is also done to:

Confirm an ectopic pregnancy

Remove the abnormal pregnancy

Repair any tissue damage

In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube.

If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include:

Mini-laparotomy and laparoscopy

Medicine called methotrexate and close monitoring by your doctor

Outlook (Prognosis)

One-third of women who have had one ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a baby. A repeated ectopic pregnancy may occur in one-third of women. Some women do not become pregnant again.

The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on:

The woman's age

Whether she has already had children

Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred.

Possible Complications

The most common complication is rupture with internal bleeding that leads to shock. Death from rupture is rare.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control.

Prevention

Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. However, a tubal pregnancy (the most common type of ectopic pregnancy) may be prevented in some cases by avoiding conditions that might scar the fallopian tubes.

The following may reduce your risk:

Avoiding risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) such as having many sexual partners, having sex without a condom, and getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)